FOND DU LAC – Two people from Illinois were arrested after deputies said they led authorities on a high-speed chase Friday, May 8, that began on Interstate 41 in Fond du Lac County and ended with a rollover and vehicle fire in Winnebago County.
Stolen vehicle alert sparks I-41 traffic stop attempt
The Fond du Lac County Sheriff’s Office said it received an alert about 1:08 p.m. for a stolen vehicle from Illinois traveling north on I-41 near County Road Y.
Authorities said the vehicle had been involved in two pursuits in Illinois within the past week and escaped both times.
A deputy later spotted the vehicle near Winnebago Street in the town of Friendship and followed it as other deputies moved into position.
Deputies said the driver briefly stopped for a high-risk traffic stop, then sped off as commands were given.
High-speed chase crosses into Winnebago County
Deputies said the vehicle sped north on I-41 into Winnebago County, passing on the shoulder and weaving through traffic.
Authorities said the vehicle exited the interstate, ran three red lights and headed south on State 26, passing vehicles on the two-lane road.
The sheriff’s office said the vehicle drove through a residential yard and ended up in a field near County Road Z and Clay Road.
During an attempted PIT maneuver, deputies said the vehicle reversed into a squad. Another squad then struck the vehicle, which rolled into a ditch and caught fire. Both occupants were evaluated at the scene.
The driver, a 23-year-old man from Des Plaines, Illinois, was booked into the Fond du Lac County Jail on charges including fleeing or eluding an officer, two counts of first-degree recklessly endangering safety, resisting or obstructing an officer, and delivering illegal articles by an inmate. Deputies reported finding ecstasy pills.
The passenger, a 23-year-old woman from Franklin Park, Illinois, was booked on charges including fleeing or eluding as a party to a crime, first-degree recklessly endangering safety as a party to a crime, possession of THC, possession of drug paraphernalia and resisting or obstructing an officer.
Assisting agencies included the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office, Southern Winnebago EMS and Nekimi Fire Department.
The case remains under investigation. Court records were not immediately available.
Contact Brandon Reid at breid@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Fond du Lac Reporter: High-speed chase from Fond du Lac ends in rollover fire, 2 arrested
Reporting by Brandon Reid, Fond du Lac Reporter / Fond du Lac Reporter
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